“All the Things She Said” by Simple Minds
On “All the Things She Said”, Jim Kerr sings from the perspective of a lover who has been physically separated from their lover. Although they are aware of this distance, the narrator promises to be with her in her thoughts, memories and wherever they go.
Considering the theme of the song, the narrator may be describing a season of war and chaos where one party has been sent far away as a result. He talks about freedom, fighting and how he wishes he could leave to see his lover. Despite their physical separation, the narrator and his lover chose to hope for a better time and a fresh start where they can be together. However, until then, they will patiently wait and keep each other in their thoughts and memories.
Jim Kerr talks about “All the Things She Said”
Kerr in an interview explained that the song was inspired by quotations from the wives of Polish political prisoners who had been sent away during the Second World War.
“All the Things She Said” Facts
Writing: Kerr wrote this alongside Simple Minds members C. Burchill and M. MacNeil
Production: Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine alongside Bob Clearmountain
Album: Simple Minds’ dance rock/new wave album of 1985, “Once Upon a Time”
Simple Minds released this as single No. 3 from “Once Upon a Time” in March of 1986.
Who is the background vocalist on this track?
The backing vocals you hear on the track were sung by a singer by the name of Robin Clark. Clark is best known for her extensive collaboration with the late British rock icon David Bowie.
The song performed well on many charts, including UK’s official singles charts (it charted in the top 10 here). In Netherlands and Ireland, it also achieved a similar feat.
It also succeeded in charting within Billboard’s Hot 100’s top-40. Actually going on to reach the 28th position there.
